Artemis II Crew Returns, USS Murtha Recovers Crew in Pacific

NASA's Artemis II mission is set to conclude with a Pacific Ocean splashdown off the coast of San Diego on April 10.

“When does Artemis II return to Earth”

Cincinnati Enquirer

The USS John P. Murtha has been chosen to recover the four astronauts, with the 684-foot ship completing special training.

Cincinnati Enquirer

NASA says there cannot be rain or thunderstorms within 30 nautical miles of the recovery site.

The exact timing and location of the splashdown could change as mission milestones are met.

The USS John P. Murtha departed Naval Base San Diego to travel to the spot where Orion will touch down.

Public access to the landing area is prohibited due to expected debris.

FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News

Five bright airbags will deploy to keep the capsule upright.

Astronauts will be taken by helicopter and flown to Houston for a post-trip news conference.

A key wildcard remains the weather, with an impending thunderstorm forecast to move into Southern California.

“SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) — After the Artemis II crew makes history traveling around the far side of the moon, the crew will be heading back to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on Friday night”

KOIN

NASA's strict safety criteria must be met before the splashdown can proceed.

Orion's reentry might not be visible from land due to offshore distance and marine layer.

This highlights how real-world conditions influence mission timelines.